worrying chain questions

i know i dont have an SV, but im sure that the logic behind this question relates to an SV. (i ride a CBR BTW)

right, i have a feeling i have a tight spot in my chain. when i spin the wheel i can feel a tiny bit of resistance in a certain point.

just been outside giving it a good lube with engine oil and moving each link up and down using my fingers and gently cleaned out each link with my brothers toothbrush (dont tell him) - and all the links seem to move ok and not snagging or anything.

how does a tight spot appear ? and how do i make it go away ?

also my chain feels quite loose, (throttle jerkey, takes a second to start losing speed one throttle is snapped shut, gear changes are a bit iffy)

im not 100 percent sure how to measure the freeplay, could someone please explain ? cheers
my manual says between 2.5-3.5cm is allowed. im not quite sure where to put the ruler midway between the sprockets ? is it 2.5-3.5cm from the swingarm or the play in it ?

the brake disc isnt warped (checked that) also the wheel bearings are fine.

its a DID o-ring chain with about 1000 miles on it (sprockets and chain replaced as a set) frequently lubricated with engine oil.

The chain slack should be measured midway between the spockets, the amount of slack is the distance you can push the chain upwards, to measure for tight spots measure the chain slack then roll the bike forwards about six inches & measure the chain again, repeat till youve gone round the chain, if it measures differently then there is tight spots, as to getting rid I dont know.

Originally Posted by 22

The chain slack should be measured midway between the spockets, the amount of slack is the distance you can push the chain upwards, to measure for tight spots measure the chain slack then roll the bike forwards about six inches & measure the chain again, repeat till youve gone round the chain, if it measures differently then there is tight spots, as to getting rid I dont know.

does the 0 on the ruler go against the swing arm ? or does it go against the chain ?

i dont know about chains much but i can tell u how i check the tension on mine.

have someone roughly the same weight sit on the bike, spin the wheel round while pushing the chain up and down about half way between the sprockets (might wanna use something u dont mind getting dirty!).

ull notice certain points r tighter than others, meaning it has less slack at points. adjust the movement to this point only, this is where it should move 2-3cm or whatever ur manual says.

hope this help.

does the 0 on the ruler go against the swing arm ? or does it go against the chain ?

u should be able to see roughly how far 2-3cm is without needing to place the ruler against anything.

the free play is the amount the chain can move up and down, measure from the middle of the 2 sprockets, so you want a maximum of 3.5cm up AND down, if not, adjust the back wheel till its in spec, also pull the links off the back sprocket to see if theres any play, this will tell you if your chain is buggered

cool
so the chain should be able to move 2-3cms up and down ?

like this ?

only about 1mm play if i pull the chain from the rear sprocket.

Originally Posted by Wiltshire7

u should be able to see roughly how far 2-3cm is without needing to place the ruler against anything.

i usually guess, but after reading a few threads about chains snapping,

i suppose im being over cautious.

Originally Posted by bikageboy

i usually guess, but after reading a few threads about chains snapping,

i suppose im being over cautious.

Yeah you are warren, you coming to the meet friday ? can check it for ya, doubt theres a prob if chain is 1000 miles old